Question

According to quantitative studies of gender-based language differences, men tend to interrupt women more often than the reverse. Men are also more likely to use speech acts such as contradictions and criticisms. Which of the following ideas do these findings BEST support

A) Women are more assertive in communication
B) Men and women communicate similarly
C) Gender influences communication patterns
D) Communication is not influenced by gender

Answer 1

The quantitative studies on gender and language use suggest that gender influences communication patterns, with men interrupting women more frequently and using contradictory speech acts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the quantitative studies indicating that men tend to interrupt women more and are more likely to use language that involves contradictions and criticisms, these findings best support the idea that C) Gender influences communication patterns. This concept is supported by research, including Robin Lakoff's proposal of women's speech as polite and uncertain, and other studies showing patterns of interruption and assertiveness aligned with gender. However, the position that any observed differences are cultural rather than biological is reinforced by the findings of linguistic anthropologists and scholars like Janet Hyde and Judith Butler, suggesting that children do not exhibit differences in speech patterns sharply and that gender-specific communication styles are performed rather than inherent.